must tryitalian.... i went to ciao cristina to try something different because of the positive reviews on the web. i took along by gourmet chef son as well because he's impossible to please and so he's good for an objective opinion.
i liked the fact that he said the quality of the ingredients was clearly much higher than the prices would normally allow. in particular, he thought the porcini mushroom ravioli might cost as much to make as they were charging for it. maybe they're in business as a public service.
everything i've had here in several visits was unusually good. eye-brow-raising good. that's why i called this: "must try italian" ... it's definitely worth a visit.
if i were a local regular, i'd want want a more extensive wine selection. i'm also a fan of specialty beers, and though they have a lots of beer on tap that gets first class care, the choices are not what i would call 'adventurous'. it's now my preferred place in la to get "arrogant bastard" and guinness.
also, if you want want a standard pizza just like you get at one of the big chains, you need to specify it from the 'build your own' list of ingredients. the pizzas listed the menu are just the 'true italian' ones ... you have to make an effort to get something more 'american italian'.
service ... well, it's authenticallyitalian:-). pretty good much of the time, not so good others. if you want to be treated like the queen of england, you'll be disappointed.
i see this as a real one-of-a-kind neighborhood place ... old world ... comfortable.